United States deploys Abrams tanks to Romania
United States deploys Abrams tanks to Romania (photo: Getty Images)
The United States is deploying new army units to Romania, equipped in particular with Abrams tanks, Romania's Chief of Defense Staff Gheorghiță Vlad said, Romania Journal reports.
According to the Chief of the Defense Staff, the new unit is part of the routine US presence in Romania, is deployed on a rotational basis, and does not mean an increase in troop numbers in the country.
Vlad did not specify how many American tanks are being transferred to Romania, but emphasized that the armed forces of the European country are currently purchasing 54 tanks of the same type.
He also added that during discussions with representatives of NATO's Allied Joint Force Command in Europe, it was determined that NATO will maintain its commitment to providing forces for the country's defense in accordance with regional plans.
"The United States has agreed to maintain the same level of force contribution and to improve the quality and lethality of the forces deployed in Romania. The best example is the one also mentioned by SACEUR during his visit to Romania: in the coming period, a detachment of US soldiers equipped with Abrams tanks will be deployed in Romania," General Gheorghiță Vlad stated.
Background
In October, the United States announced it would reduce its military presence in Romania by withdrawing a battalion from a rotational brigade assigned to protect NATO's southeastern flank, while still keeping about one thousand troops in the country.
In addition to US forces, Romania hosts numerous European troops. The total number of American and European troops remaining in the country after Washington's decision to reduce its presence is about 3,500 soldiers.
In Europe, starting in January 2026, NATO's second-largest logistics center began operations, coordinating and ensuring the supply of weapons to Ukraine. It is located at one of NATO's bases in Romania.
